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Introduction
In Biblical studies, the exploration of Greek words provides crucial insights into the New Testament’s deeper meanings, enhancing our understanding of its theological messages. The Greek verb ἐκπειράζω (ekpeirazō) is a significant term that appears in contexts involving testing or tempting, often in relation to divine or moral testing. Understanding this word’s nuances helps us better grasp passages where testing is involved, particularly in how humans interact with God or with one another in moments of trial. This word also sheds light on ancient Greek culture, where the concept of testing was linked to proving one’s character or worth.
Key Information
- ἐκπειράζω (ekpeirazō) [ek-PAY-rahd-zo]
- Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of” or “from,” and the verb πειράζω (peirazō), meaning “to test” or “to tempt.” The compound form intensifies the meaning, suggesting a thorough or complete testing.
- Part of Speech: Verb (third person singular, active, indicative, or infinitive forms).
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- To Test Thoroughly: The primary meaning of ἐκπειράζω is to test or examine thoroughly, often with an implication of pushing the boundaries or limits of the subject being tested.
- To Tempt or Try: In some contexts, it can also mean to tempt, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense, where the testing is linked to proving one’s faith or character, often in a negative connotation.
Similar Words:
- πειράζω (peirazō) [pay-RAHD-zo]: A closely related verb meaning “to test” or “to tempt,” but without the intensified sense of thoroughness implied by ἐκπειράζω. It is more commonly used and can have a broader application.
- δοκιμάζω (dokimazō) [do-kee-MAHD-zo]: This word means “to approve” or “to test,” often with a focus on testing something to determine its worth or value, typically in a positive or neutral sense.
Further Insights:
- Morphology: ἐκπειράζω is a compound verb, with the prefix ἐκ- adding an intensifying aspect to the verb. This prefix suggests a testing that is thorough, complete, or exhaustive. The verb is active in voice, meaning the subject is performing the action of testing or tempting.
- Linguistic Features: As a verb, ἐκπειράζω can take various forms depending on tense, mood, and voice. It is often found in contexts that require a deep or severe trial, indicating a process of testing that leaves nothing unexamined.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: The BDAG lexicon defines ἐκπειράζω as “to put to the test thoroughly,” particularly in contexts where the testing is either to prove a point or to challenge someone or something to their limits. This lexicon highlights the term’s use in passages where God or humans are being tested in a significant way.
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Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐκπειράζω as a verb meaning “to test out” or “to tempt,” with a special focus on the idea of trying someone or something to its utmost capacity. Thayer’s notes its specific use in the New Testament in contexts involving moral or spiritual testing.
Vines: Vine’s Expository Dictionary explains that ἐκπειράζω carries the meaning of a severe or thorough testing, often in a negative sense, such as tempting or testing God, as seen in several New Testament passages.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides classical references where ἐκπειράζω is used in Greek literature to describe the act of testing or challenging, especially in a way that involves pushing limits or exploring potential.
Strongs Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance lists ἐκπειράζω as “to test thoroughly” or “to tempt,” focusing on its New Testament usage, particularly in passages that deal with the testing of faith or character.
Scripture References:
- Matthew 4:7 – “Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt (ἐκπειράζω) the Lord thy God.”
- Luke 4:12 – “And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt (ἐκπειράζω) the Lord thy God.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | Histories | “The soldiers were ἐκπειράζω (thoroughly tested) in their endurance.” |
| Plato | Republic | “The philosopher must be ἐκπειράζω (tested thoroughly) to prove his wisdom.” |
| Sophocles | Antigone | “The laws of the gods are not to be ἐκπειράζω (tempted or tested) by mortals.” |
Summary of ἐκπειράζω (G1598: ekpeirazō)
The Greek verb ἐκπειράζω (G1598) is a significant term in the New Testament, particularly in contexts involving testing or temptation. Derived from the root verb πειράζω, meaning “to test,” and intensified by the prefix ἐκ-, this word emphasizes a thorough or exhaustive testing. It appears in key passages where the testing of God or humans is discussed, highlighting the severity or seriousness of the trial involved. Understanding ἐκπειράζω enhances our comprehension of Biblical passages dealing with spiritual trials, moral tests, and the limits of human or divine endurance.
Did You Know?
The use of ἐκπειράζω in the New Testament often carries a warning against testing the limits of God’s patience or grace. In ancient Greek literature, it was similarly used to describe the severe testing of heroes or gods, emphasizing the idea that some boundaries are not meant to be crossed. This word reminds readers of the seriousness of testing divine authority or challenging moral truths.
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